Five candidates have filed to run for the Clarendon County Council District 2 seat vacated by the late Councilman William James “W.J.” Frierson Sr., setting the stage for primary elections in both major political parties this spring.
Candidate filing closed at noon Saturday, Jan. 24. According to records from the Clarendon County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, two Republican and three Democratic candidates filed for the seat, triggering party primaries scheduled for March 10.
Republican candidates include Matt Chapman and Kim E. Jones. Jones currently serves on the Clarendon County School District Board of Trustees, a position she was elected to in November 2024.
Democratic candidates are Michele Demery, Delaney Kay Frierson and McKinley Hudson. Frierson is the wife of the late councilman whose death in December prompted the special election.
Because more than one candidate filed in each party, primary elections will be held Tuesday, March 10. If necessary, runoff elections will take place March 24. The winners of each party’s primary will advance to the special election, scheduled for Tuesday, May 12.
The District 2 seat became vacant following the death of Councilman William James “W.J.” Frierson Sr., who died Dec. 26. Frierson had represented District 2 on Clarendon County Council since January 1995.
Voters must be registered by April 12 to participate in the primary, runoff or special election. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day at precincts throughout District 2, including Alcolu, Bloomville, Davis Station, Home Branch, Jordan, multiple Manning precincts, Paxville and Wilson-Foreston.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of Clarendon County Council is set for Feb. 10.
